Odds and Ends for the End of 2006

As 2006 draws to a close, here are a few Wildcat items that are worth mentioning:

• Cats win 11 straight -- the Lopez twins look to be force for Stanford, but Arizona's experience and speed do in the Cardinal.  Barry Tompkins and Dan Belluomini be damned - they are such homers for Cal and Stanford.
• Hug-a-Lute -- I did notice Lute give Shakur a hug when Staf came to the bench yesterday, but I didn't realize what a big deal it was at the time.
• Oh so close -- AZ's 14-point win failed to cover the spread by 1/2 point.  In the Memphis game the spread was met exactly.  What kind of crystal ball do those point-spread guys have, anyway?
• Gilbert Arenas still cracks me up --  Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who sometimes watches infomercials to pass the time in his hotel room: "The last thing I bought was this colon cleanser. I just got talked into it. I'm like, 'Man, he makes it sound so good.' "
• Mike Bell does us proud -- not bad for an undrafted free agent rookie.  And check out the photographer's name....
• It's the chemistry, man -- Less drama, better basketball.  And more wins.  I like it!
• Sneak preview of Air Raid -- With Sonny Dykes bringing his spread offense to UA from Texas Tech, it was of special interest to watch the Insight Bowl the other night.  Can he pull it off here?
• Nice wrap-up -- late Christmas presents to Wildcats.

Happy New Year, and Bear Down!

Cat Fight!

Cat fight in Tucson tonight, as the Houston Cougars venture into McKale to take on the Cats.  The obscene starting time of 8:00p locally, coupled with the Christmas break for students, could  mean a lower-than-normal turnout for the game.  Damn that contract with Fox Sports!  Anyway, there will still be more fans in attendance that at your typical Tempe Normal game.  Hey - maybe we'll get to see some bench play.

• Next up - Memphis.  One of the week's top games, at least in this guy's perspective.
• Iggy, Iggy - Interesting 1-on-1 with Andre.  Can he be the man for the 76er's now tha AI is riding the pine?
• Two brothers, one play - isn't it crazy how that blown call in the Oregon-Oklahoma game cost both the Cats and the Sooners?
• DE bookend - "Sandman II" commits to UA football.  Keep 'em coming, Mikey.
• A legend comes home - When Mike Bell returns to Glendale today as the Broncos play the Cards he'll be coming home to his roots.  Good job, Mike.

Bear Down.

Thanks, Sparky!

Great Hire for ASU !

It won't be long before ASU football will be on NCAA probation... half its football players in jail or court ..and their new coach in jail for a DUI.

More reaction here from some Idaho fans. This should be fun to watch, kitties.

'Zoning In

As the Cats prepare to take on the SDSU Aztecs tomorrow at Cox Arena, here's some light reading to hold you over until then:
Hometown Hero -- read all about Chase, a native of pretty Encinitas. Sweet.
Sonny Boy -- Sonny Dykes takes over the reigns of the football offense. Do we want it more offensive or less offensive than the 2006 version? Throw it long, Sonny.
He was there -- at the Jimmy V Classic, MSG. How was the popcorn?
Lute to retire? -- Nope. Not for some time, anyway.
Goins gone -- DB recruit reneges to head for Cheeseland. Adios.

What a difference a week makes

Last weekend, we were drowning our sorrows in a cup of decaf over the Cats loss to Tempe Normal in the final football game of the year. Bad enough that the Territorial Cup has to stay on that dingy campus for one more year, but now the Sparkettes are looking for a new head coach. Jeez, I was hoping their win would get him at least one more season in the Valley of the Runs.

Today, though, we celebrate Lute's Troops, fresh off a stirring victory over the Fighting Illini. More on that and even more Wildcat news here:

• Chase Budinger is getting quite a fan following, as he turns in one star performance after another. Hope he sticks around for more than one year.
• Shedding our "soft" reputation? Still remains to be seen, but the defense will need to step it up for the entire game if the Cats want to be taken seriously.
• Nice to have the shoe on the other foot this time, watching the Cats come back from a double-digit deficit and win one going away.
• Mike Bell loses bet to Jake the Snake, suffers the ultimate insult (last topic in article)
• With Stoops looking for an offensive coordinator, does he like Dykes? And don't forget Dirk...what a switcheroo that would be, eh?
• And finally, here's a recap of football recruits to date.

Vaya con Wilbur

Aftemath of the asu game

Not only did Tempe Normal fire their coach after beating the UA Saturday, the UA also lost one. Mike Canales resigned today as Offensive Coordinator after 3 years at the U. Could being 115th out of 119 teams in total offense have something to do with it?

Does the name Zendejas sound familiar?

Who doesn't remember what Max Z. did for the Cats, or hate Luis Z. for going to Territorial Normal. Kicking's in the blood. And the new blood will be wearing cardinal and navy for the next 4 years. Alex Zendejas - of Glendale Ironwood - will take over placekicking for the Cats next year, as we get yet another Pheonix(sic) star to see the light. Nice coup, Stoops.

Alex Zendejas arguably comes from the most famous family of kickers in football history. He has three relatives who have kicked in the NFL, an uncle who was a famous Wildcat in Max Zendejas and an uncle who was a famous Sun Devil in Luis Zendejas. On Wednesday, he was given an offer to follow in the footsteps of Max and he accepted.

Yep, it's really there, Sparky

Normal school gridders could rub their eyes all they wanted, but it still wouldn't go away. There it was, right on their field. "Bear Down" and the AZ "A" were painted on their turf. A red "A" was also painted on their beloved A Mountain.



Let the games begin.

Comparing the Sophomore QB's

I'll take Willie over ruddy anyday. Like comparing apples to rotten oranges.

No Excuses, please, Sparky

Reading through this article it sounds like Tempe is making excuses already, and the game hasn't even been played. Sure, they've suffered through some injuries, but isn't that football? Where's the depth, Dirk? Some of it went north to Nebraska, leaving just crybabies in the Valley of the Scum. I don't remember Stoops with a hanky out when Willie went down for a few games. Or Steptoe. Suck it up, girls.

Speaking of girls:

"I think this was a real talented team at the beginning of the season," ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter said. "But who are our most talented guys? They haven't been playing. They've been hurt or they've had things happen. I'm not making excuses but that is the truth."

Suppose this hammerhead will take the next bus out with Koetter?

Remembering Lee Franklin

Former Wildcat baseball player Lee Franklin battle leukemia for 9 years, but passed away this week in the Bay Area. Here's a touching story about Lee, his struggles and triumphs, and the type of man that he was. The Wildcat family mourns his passing.

Cats Bully the Bulldogs

The Wildcat basketball team is starting to put it all together - witness last night's drubbing of the Samford Bulldogs. Playing a slowdown team for the first time this season, AZ had little trouble, leading by 28 at the half. Lute even managed to play some of the bench guys, too. Except JP Prince, who was nowhere to be found. I'll wager he's looking for another school right now, someone who will "appreciate" him for the great player that he is.

Cats Adopt Nothing-to-Lose Attitude

And it's working. Take a new-found running game, add Dana Dimmel as a co-ofensive coordinator, fire up the defense, and see what it gets you? Some positive national press, immensely grateful fans, and maybe the head of Sparky's football coach on a platter.

Fork you, Devils.

Cancer claims two former Wildcats

From the Tucson Citizen:

Two former University of Arizona athletes known for their big, bright smiles and inspiration as much as their achievements in competition have died.
Former football player Zaharius Johnson died Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer and former second baseman Lee Franklin lost his fight with leukemia on Monday.

The Wildcat Nation feels their loss and grieves for their families.

Rest In Peace, Z and Lee.

Cancer claims two former Wildcats

From the Tucson Citizen:

Two former University of Arizona athletes known for their big, bright smiles and inspiration as much as their achievements in competition have died.
Former football player Zaharius Johnson died Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer and former second baseman Lee Franklin lost his fight with leukemia on Monday.

The Wildcat Nation feels their loss and grieves for their families.

Rest In Peace, Z and Lee.

Koetter to be Cut??

Is Koetter era over at Arizona State? Everybody wants to know, but nobody's talking. As a die-hard Cat fan, I'd like nothing more than for aswho to honor the contract extension he was granted earlier in the season (when the Sparkettes were winning) and enjoy smacking him around a few more years. Bring back Rob Evans, too.

How sweet it is

Can anyone remember when the outcome of the UA/Tempe game would determine the fate of the head coach from that other school? Loos like the honeymoon is really over in Tempe.

Get the Duck Out of Here

Arizona rolled into Autzen Stadium with the fog yesterday, and by the time the skies had cleared the Cats had rolled to their third straight victory over a ranked opponent. Did anybody see this coming? After league losses to UDub, the Beavs, and UCLA, you would have been declared crazy and demented to even think the Cats would make themselves almost bowl-eligible by the time the Sparkettes showed up at AZ Stadium. With development of the O-Line, and the promotion of Dana Dimmel to co-offensive coordinator, the running game has kicked it up a notch or more. After 7 straight losses to the Ducks, and 20 years of frustration in Eugene, the Cats put their best game on the field and dominated from the get-go. The keys to the game were 1) win the turnover battle 2) win time of possession and 3) get the running game going, and the Cats did it all. And shut out the vaunted Oregon offense in the second half. My, oh my.

• Chris Henry up for week twelve Cingular  All-America Player of the Week.  And why not, after his 3 TDs and 200+ total yards?  Now he is the beast of a back we thought he could be.
• First fumbled punt was the beginning of the end.  There was still plenty of time for the Cats to gather in 5 more turnovers, though.  And they scored 24 points off those 6 turnovers.  Talk about the Pillsbury Doughboy!
• The Sparkettes are going South next weekend, along with their season.  Do I hear a life-time option for Coach K(oetter)?
• Cats win the coin flip for the first time in 12 games.  What are the odds?
• Cool irony fact.  After Ohio State beat Michigan 42-39, the Pick 4 game of the Ohio lottery drew - you guessed it - 4-2-3-9.  Good for 5 grand if you picked 'em.

Go Cats!  Fork the Devils!

Cats do what the Scum Devils couldn't

Yep. They beat NAU. So they're a mid-major, so what? The 'jacks are a good mid-major team, the kind of team that can give the Cats fits come tournament time. We'll take it....and we're keeping Chase.

Cats Have Full Attention of the Ducks

Arizona won't be sneaking up on Oregon this weekend. After two straight victories over ranked teams (including #8 Cal) the Quackers are aware of what's in store.

"They've got a lot of swagger and they have every right to after beating teams like (WSU and Cal). Great wins. We have to come into this game and have total focus, especially coming in off a loss, because we know they will," Ducks quarterback Dennis Dixon said.

Can't wait to tee it up.

Ouch

Well, the Wildcats weren't the party-poopers last night against Virginia.  In the Grand Opening of John Paul Jones Arena, the Cats rolled belly-up in the second half, letting UVA come back from 19 points down and losing by three.  Worst yet, that hated word "soft" was heard from a few Hoos.  Nice to see that Mustafa was fired up for the game...wait, he forgot to show up.  The loss cost the Cats 5 places in the latest polls, dropping them to #15.

Hey, at least Arnie Spanier is back.

Un-Freakin'-Believable

As Wilma and I watched the Homecoming fans pour out onto the field following the Wildcats' 24-20 victory over #8 Cal, I realized this might be - finally - the beginning of the Stoops era at Arizona.  The game was loaded with bizarre plays, freakish moments, and a replay-it-to-death mentality by the officials.  Still, the Cats managed to pull this one out, outscoring the Bears 21-3 in the second half.  So now we're 5-5, with Oregon and Tempe Normal left.  Do I dare even think it?  I'm not even thinking the B word for fear of a jinx.

• Just like last week, when we beat Wazzu, Cal is talking about "not showing up" or "not our best effort."  Hey!  Give us some props, man.
• The football program needed that.  So did the school.  So did the fans.  Amen, Corky.
• "The whole game was like plays going their way," (Cal) cornerback Daymeion Hughes said. "I was like, 'Man, this can't be real.' "  Believe it.
• Even the SF Follicle noticed the rousing cheer for Nick Folk's first-quarter field goal.  Those were the first points AZ had scored against Cal in 2 years.  And they were just the beginning.
• Cats Bear Down on the Bears, overcome big plays, and win one for the Gimper.  (That's for you, Wilma)
• Arizona ruins Bears' BCS title dreams.  Get over it, California.  Or have you already forgotten what Tennessee did you?  You don't have the guts, desire, or class to even think BCS.  Bears Couldn't Score when it needed to.

Go Cats! 

A look ahead to Sunday

When the Cats travel to Virginia this weekend to take on the Cavs, it will mark the opening of John Paul Jones Arena.  (Did you know that was not his real name?)  After getting by UVA two years ago back there, let's hope this version of the Wildcats is ready to show up and play.

College basketball welcomes back the big man

A rebuttal to my previous post:

By JAKE CURTIS

November 9, 2006

College basketball is thinking big again.

The past few years, teams were turning to three-guard and four-guard
lineups in response to the dwindling number of dominating centers at
the college level. The small but quick ball-handlers and playmakers had
become the stars and the focus of the game, as the intimidating giants
in low post typically bypassed the college game and went directly to
the NBA.

But suddenly, the NBA's new minimum-age rule and a few coincidences
have altered the evolution of the game, and the big man is back.

Greg Oden, a 7-foot-1 dominator, would have been the No. 1
pick in the June NBA draft, but instead he's at Ohio State, and Arizona
coach Lute Olson says he's the best big man to come out of high school
in a long time.

"He has a chance to be a (Bill) Walton or a (Kareem) Abdul-Jabbar, someone of that caliber," Olson said.

In fact, the current crop of giants is reminiscent of the days
when Patrick Ewing, Ralph Sampson, Walton and Abdul-Jabbar (Lew
Alcindor, then) and Tim Duncan ruled the college landscape.

The 7-foot Lopez twins (Brook and Robin) at Stanford and 6-11
Spencer Hawes at Washington could have been lottery picks two years
ago, but they are college freshmen instead. Connecticut's 7-3 freshman
Hasheem Thabeet is swatting shots away at an alarming rate, and he
could challenge Oden as the best freshman big man this year, at least
until Oden returns from his wrist injury. Duke's 7-1 Brian Zoubek and
Kansas State's 7-2 Jason Bennett should make immediate impacts as
freshmen.

They join a strong group of returning big men. Florida's 6-11
Joakim Noah was expected to be the NBA's No. 1 overall pick last June,
but having a father (Yannick Noah) who was a champion tennis player
eliminated the financial necessity to turn pro, so he's back.

Aaron Gray, a 7-footer at Pittsburgh, came back, too as did
Kentucky's 7-foot center Randolph Morris and Georgetown's 7-3 Roy
Hibbert, who had improved by leaps and bounds and is ready to emerge as
a star.

Gonzaga's 6-11 Josh Heytvelt might replace Adam Morrison as
the Zags' main man, while Alabama's 6-10 Jermareo Davidson is a
challenge for Noah in the Southeastern Conference.

LSU's 6-9 Glen Davis, Duke's 6-10 Josh McRoberts, North
Carolina's 6-9 Tyler Hansbrough, and Nevada's 6-11 Nick Fazekas are not
really centers, but they play like big men, and they all could be in
the NBA right now. Instead they are stars on ranked teams, and most of
the preseason top 25 schools have a big man as their star.

Even the Pac-10, the cradle of point guards, will be heavy
with dominant big men. The conference's tradition of passing point
guards to the pros - Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Jason Terry, Damon
Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Luke Ridnour, Brevin Knight and Gilbert Arenas
are all NBA starters at the moment - could change, because this season
the Pac-10 is short on point guards and long on centers.

Cal 's top NBA prospect is 6-11 DeVon Hardin, a likely
first-round pick, and the best low-post player in the conference could
be Arizona State's 6-9 Jeff Pendergraph.

Predictions: North Carolina added three McDonald All-Americans
to aid Hansbrough; Kansas, led by Brandon Rush, is loaded with talent,
and Ohio State brought in several top freshmen besides Oden. The
pressure of repeating usually gets the better of teams, so preseason
No. 1 Florida might struggle.

We are picking North Carolina, which will be a lot better in
March than in November, to win the NCAA title, but keep an eye on
Alabama, which has the nation's best point guard (Ronald Steele), and
Georgetown, which might regain dominance under John Thompson III.

Unranked bliss: Two of the past four national champions -
Florida in 2006 and Syracuse in 2003 - were unranked in the preseason
poll. Maybe a team such as Louisville can pull off a similar surprise.

Return engagement: Florida is the first team since Arizona in
1998 to return all five starters from a national championship team. The
'98 Wildcats were clearly better than their 1997 version, finishing
first in the Pac-10 rather than fifth as the '97 Wildcats did, but the
'98 Arizona team lost in the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

The 1995 Arkansas Razorbacks returned the top eight players
from their 1994 national championship squad. They struggled more than
expected in 1995 but got to the NCAA championship game before losing to
UCLA.

The 1968 UCLA squad appears to be the only team to win a
national championship after returning all five starters from the
previous season's national championship team. However, Kenny Heitz, a
starter in 1967, came off the bench in '68, when the Bruins started
Alcindor, Mike Lynn, Lucius Allen, Mike Warren and Lynn Shackelford.

Coaching changes: Sixty-one Division I teams have new head
coaches, with the most significant being Kelvin Sampson at Indiana,
Sidney Lowe at North Carolina State, Jeff Capel at Oklahoma, Sean
Sutton at Oklahoma State, Herb Sendek at Arizona State, Fran Dunphy at
Temple, Bobby Gonzalez at Seton Hall, Mike Anderson at Missouri and Bob
Huggins at Kansas State.

Huggins is already bringing in big-time talent to K-State.
Besides Bennett, he recently added Bill Walker, one of the nation's top
players, for this season, and signed Michael Beasley, rated as the
nation's No. 1 high school senior prospect by several recruiting
services, for next year.

The coach: Texas Tech's Bob Knight needs 10 wins to tie Dean Smith's record of 879 career coaching wins.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.)

Copyright 2006, Knoxville News

Where have all the towers gone?

Have you noticed the lack of big men in college basketball these days? Some of them used to go straight into the NBA, but these days it just ain't cool to play with your back to the basketball. Check it out.

Blame part of the lack of low-post talent on poor coaching, from the youth to the college ranks, that analysts say fails to develop players with consistent games around the basket. But also blame the "Arizona effect," which turned some college programs away from building around a big guy.

Led by stellar guards Mike Bibby, Miles Simon and Jason Terry, the Wildcats won the 1997 national title. Big men Bennett Davison and A.J. Bramlett, though talented, provided little more than enough players to field a team.

But more than enough to win the title!

Cats Win! Cats Win!

What a day. Not only did the Basketcats win big in their exhibition game today, but the Footballers got their second Pac-10 road win as well. And neither game was on TV - imagine that. Of course Wilma and I, true fans that we are, listened to both games on the radio, six glorious hours of Wildcat highlights. We live for this.

• WSU let any momentum get away from them when they tried a fake punt in the 3rd quarter.  And the Cats took it from there.   Willie T put his new concussion helmet to good use, and lasted the entire game.
• Have the Wildcats finally turned the corner, or is that just the blinker I see?  So much for being 16+ point underdogs.
• Bud-N-Wise-R lead Cats to Victory over Team Georgia.  The two freshman put on quite the show today in McKale.  Nice game for a couple of rookies.  And don't forget Jordan Hill.
  
• Guess who has the #4 2006 Fall recruiting class?  Sorry, Sparky - Lute ain't retiring.

Coming up - Cal is here for Homecoming.  And we're welcoming Jeff, Zenna, and Christopher in for the weekend.  Yeah!

Caution: Wilbur at Work

I've been a little lax in posting here recently. New responsibilities OTJ have kept me pretty busy. And what do I come back to? Midnight Madness has come and gone, the starting QB for Stoops' troops is an old face from a few years ago, and much much more. Here goes:

Who's that QB -- luckily, Kris Heavner came back from Baylor just in time to put the pads on and learn the offense. We're going to need him. With Willie T. out with 2 count'em 2 concussions, and Adam Austin powerless with a bum knee, Heav's the man. And winning's the plan. Let's keep Tyler Lyon in a redshirt, okay? At least we knocked Stanford's QB out for the year...

What kind of bark are they chewing? -- I read here that the Beavs are favored by 2 this weekend. Yeah, right...

Road trip -- interesting account of one man's trip to Palo Alto last weekend. Bonus - he saw the Cats win! Here's what the Cardinal fan saw.

Hint hint -- gift idea, Wilma.

Softball keeps loading up -- with another one here and here...

A last look -- at the game against Stanford.

Keeping it in the family

Lute Olson announced today that he's hired Matt Brase - his grandson - to a position on the Wildcat basketball team. Matt will help fill the slot left empty when Reggie Geary left for the NBADL. Whadaya bet that coaching runs in Matt's genes?

"Lights Out" Willie

As in 2 (confirmed) concussions so far this year. So, Willie T will probably not suit up for this weekend's game at Stanford. I'm not about to call the Cardinal an inept team, not after watching the UA these past 3 weeks. The defense has done a yeoman's job, and even with that lost 2nd quarter against UDub 2 weeks ago they're light years ahead of the offense. Willie just isn't as inspiring as last year. Maybe it's just a sophomore slump....we can only hope.

Black Eye for West Coast Football

Wilma and I watched the Oregon/Oklahoma football game this past weekend. You know, the game where the PAC10 showed the country the high level of officiating that is rampant though this league. Sure, the refs blew a couple of calls at the end - especially the onsides kick - but is that really a surprise? Hell no. Not to us. Not to anyone who's watched those blind zebras place themselves on a pedestal higher than the game itself. What did you expect, Sooners? You gave up over 500 yards in offense to the Yucks, but you still had a chance to win the game. Three times you got down inside the Oregon 20 yard line and settled for field goals. Sure, the game was taken away from you in the last minute and a half, but you had already given it away. Hopefully, that officiating team - suspended for one game - is the one that was going to be assigned to the AZ/SC game this weekend and we'll get some real refs. I seriously doubt it, though. But I'll wait for the replay.

Look who's back

B.J. Dennard returns to the Wildcat football team after taking care of some personal business. Welcome back to him, as our receivers could use some help.

Cats go Stone Cold

Against Stephen F. Austin, AZ did just enough to win the game. Could this be the end of Stoops' vanilla offense? Will we get to see what he's really got against SC this weekend? I doubt it. Chris Jennings did a fine job filling in for Chris Henry in the backfield, running for over 200 yards. As Stoops said in his post-game interview, though, "It game against a Div 1AA team." That's okay - we'll take it. I did feel like bashing a few cans a la Stone Cold a few times, though. We're not very good -- we're not so bad -- oh, heck...

Bye Bye B.J.

Receiver leaves UA football team
- With Dennard leaving the super-freshmen receivers we've been hearing about will have a chance to step it up. Best of luck, BJ. We've already forgiven you for fumbling that kickoff return last week against LSU.

Bad Sports!

It's mind boggling what some people will do to keep someone else out of a game. First we have this punter for Northern Colorado who stabbed the starting punter in the leg, presumably to get more playing time. Even worse, how about this T-ball coach who PAID a kid to keep a disabled player out of a championship game. T-Ball! Unfreakinbelievable.

Road Warrior Animal Jr. new Buckeye hero

Wilbur can't help but notice when wrestling meets, well, anything. Here we have Road Warrior Animal's son stepping out of the squared circle and onto the gridiron with some impressive results for Ohio State. And how cool is it to get calls and messages from Stone Cold, the Undertaker, and the Hulkster himself?

Willie T knocked for a loop

As if Saturday's loss to LSU wasn't bad enough, now it appears that Willie T suffered a concussion on the Wildcats' first play. It was a vicious hit, one of many put on Willie that day, but it was the only one that was penalized. I saw a few more helmet-to-helmet hits that were ignored by the refs. We should be so lucky to hit so hard and not get flagged.

UGH-ly Early

LSU covers the spread in the first quarter - Wilma finds it hard to watch this one. Who put these guys on the schedule??

Stoops-kabob

Well, not exactly. As Stoops says about the 93000 fans that will attend tomorrow's game at LSU:

"I mean, what can they do to you? They can't eat you, can they?"

Let's hope not. The Cats will have to play one helluva game to keep their momentum going. Still, LSU by 18 seems like an overly optimistic spread to me. Cats will keep it much closer. And it is a game they can win.

The Texas Connection

When the Cats and LSU suit up for tomorrow's game, over 40 players will be from the Houston area. AZ has 29 of them, with nine starters from Houston. Stoops' experience at OU must have taught him something.

Also - Cat Linebackers get respect from the Bayou press.

Canada Dry

Here's what Canada is saying about last weekend's visit by the Basketcats. Again - "college hoop legend Lute Olson" makes the article.

Wildcats Finally Get a Folk Hero

The Zona faithful got their wish last Saturday. Arizona won a close one, after going 1-10 in games decided by three points or less in the last 8 years. Nick Folk got the fans back up on their feet with one second left in the game when he kicked the game-winning field goal that seemed to be willed through the uprights by the Wildcat Nation.
The crowd was fired up and ready for this one, an amazing sight for those of us who got seats to the game (and over 58,00 of us did). After a fumble on BYU's first play from scrimmage was recovered by the Cats, the crowd was at a fever pitch. Unfortunately, we didn't have much else to cheer for (save Chris Henry's bruising 54-yd. run) until Folk connected at the game's end.
Part of the blame for the drop in intensity from the crowd can be placed on the game itself. Virtually no offense from the Cats, Willie T's lack of touch on many passes, and a defense that shut down the Cougars' running game but gave up almost 300 yards in the air. I blame the band and cheerleaders, though, for not seizing on a fantastic opportunity and keeping the fans whipped up. The band again disappeared into the crowd after their pre-game and halftime routines and don't seem to understand how important they are to the homefield advantage. It was a pleasant change to not see the section leaders parade around the track during the 3rd quarter, but it would have been nice to hear "Bear Down" and "Fight Wildcats" more than one or two times during the game. Come on, band - pick up those freakin' instruments! If you truly are "The Best Band in the History of the World" we need to hear more of you. And if all the halftime shows are going to be based on "Radiohead" music - yikes!
And Wilma is right - the crowd needs to get more involved in the game. It's our job to pump up the team, not vice versa. One good thing about a close game like Saturday's - everyone stays til the end.
Maybe we can see what a real football crowd looks like in Baton Rouge this weekend - LSU has got it going on.

What are the Cougars thinking?

This article from a BYU perspective gives us some insight into the Cougar mind. Interesting that they are mentioning "upset" and "win" in the same breath. Aren't we the team coming off of back-to-back 3-8 seasons?
Another interesting article here that lists both UA and BYU as "Sleeper" teams this season. Let's see who wakes up first on Saturday.

Mike Bell giving Broncos boost

Hooray for Mike Bell! After being overlooked in this year's NFL draft, Mike has put himself in position to be the Broncos' starting running back. Hard work and toughness pay off.

Vegas Bets on the Cats

FinHeaven - Gambling Corner 2006: "ARIZONA -6.5 over BYU
The Wildcats are sneaky good. This is a sleeper team for 2006, with Mike Stoops in charge. He is a very good head coach. Arizona is young while BYU has some experience, but BYU did suspend their starting DB for this game and something about Arizona just intrigues me. I think Arizona at home will win here and make a splash."

BasketCats Ready to Tip it Off

The Wildcats head to the Great White North on a preseason swing that should foster much togetherness for the guys. Though some players will be left behind (Ivan didn't get his visa in time, while Fendi and Jawann nurse some nagging injuries) the games should be quite competitive. Unique idea - divide the squad into 2 - 5-man teams and let them play 5 minute rotations.

But heck, we do have the Great White Hope, if this blurb from a Canadian "eh?" paper is to be believed:

The big game, however, will see the University of Arizona Wildcats, with legendary coach Lute Olsen, take on the Clan at 7 p.m., Sunday.

Cats a Team to Watch

We've known that for a long time, but now some writers on the national scene are noticing, too. But really, Willie T. will take us to more than 2 bowl games in his next three years. Bet on it.

3 Days to Figure it Out

Only three more days 'til the Cats kick off the 2006 football season, and it can't happen soon enough. With rumors that the UA is ready to open up the offense more this season, the fans could be in for a big bang for their sports buck. Winning will be the yardstick by which this team is measured. As nice as loyal Wildcat fans are, we are desperate for a drink from the winners' fountain.
When it comes to beating BYU, stopping the run could be the key to victory. (Along with a solid performance from the special teams) Forcing John Beck to pass into our awesome secondary would be a dream come true. Heck, we'll be picking off passes like it's Jeff Van Raphorst tossing them. Of course, BYU has some defensive questions of their own. How about starting two freshman on the D-Line? Brilliant!
Talk about depth -- Stoops has 5 Star JC recruit Louis Holmes on the pine to start the season. Look for him to be rotated in quickly, though.

Go Cats!

Basket Cats to the Great White North

The men's basketball team has started practice for its trip to Canada next week. This should be a great "getting to know you" session for the team, and will let Chase and Nic get a taste of basketball Wildcat-style. No word yet if the games will be on TV.

Top Golfer Signs with UA

Coach Greg Allen reloads with yet another top-ranked (3rd nationally) lady golfer. And he snuck Esther Choe right out of Scottsdale! Notice that Tempe Normal didn't even make her final list.

Always Something University in QB Quandry

Tempe Normal is having an identity crisis at the quarterback position, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I mean, come on, just a week away from opening kickoff (against NAU - hehe)...how sweet is that? If Jerk Koetter changes his mind one more time I hope he decides to replace the whole starting lineup with Moon Valley players. Sam Keller will be better off in Nebraska, thermal underwear or not.

BYU has work to do

Ups and downs apparent at Scrimmage, says this story about the Cougs scrimmage last Saturday. Interesting note - whereas the Cats opened their final full scrimmage to all fans and the press. BYU only allowed their elite Booster Club to attend. See if you can see any fans in this picture.

Ode to Tomey

Here's a nice article about ex-Cat coach Dick Tomey, now trying to rebuild the program at San Jose State. Do you think if he had gotten us to the Rose Bowl at least once that he'd still be here??

Hang time no hang-up

One of those Tucson connections, walk-on punter Kyle McQuown, is making his bid for first-string punter. Could it be that our kicking game will be an asset this year??

Home Boys

I can recall a few Tucson prepsters who played for the Cats, and played well. Jim Krohn, Vance Johnson, David Adams come to mind. Never, though, do I remember seven local players on the roster at the same time. That's what we have now. And not a token Rudy among them.

Wow!!

UCS College Football picks the Cats 8th in the nation - and first in the PAC10. 10-2 overall? I'll take it!

Sorry, Sparky. You come in at number 40.

Two TDs for Tuitama in UA's first scrimmage of camp

The Cats held their first full scrimmage game last night, in front of 1500 football-starved fans. Highlights for both the offense and defense, with lots of new faces contributing.

20 more days.....BYU.

Bad Sparky

Well, there won't be any problem trying to tell the Kru(e)gers apart this season for Tempe Normal. After Kevin Kruger transferred to UNLV to play for daddy, Bryson Krueger went one-up (and more) on Hassan Adams and got himself 86'd from the team. Ecstacy, Xanax, cocaine, and an illegal handgun will do that to you, buddy.

Situation - Normal in Tempe.

Bye bye Reggie

It's been fun, Reggie, but it's time to move on. And up, into the pro ranks. Congratulations on the move, Mr. Geary, and thanks for all the memories.

Walk-On U

Just like undrafted Mike Bell is making an impact at the Denver Broncos training camp, the Wildcats could fill his shoes with ..... a walkon. Chris Jennings could turn out to be a real star. That just doesn't happen in college football, folks.

More Hometown Connections

Let's not forget the two former Sabino Sabrecats, Glyndon Bolasky and Brooks Reed. Both turned down offers from ASwho, a testament to their intelligence and good taste.
Is it kickoff time yet? This should be the start of a crazy wild ride.

Borg to be Wild

The O-Line is full of such unsung heroes that I nearly forgot we have a local prepster ready to step up and protect the Big Willie. Daniel Borg was a star at Ironwood Hills and should continue to thrive for Stoops.

Wildcats a tough sell

At least that's what the New Mexico Lobos think as they try to bolster their football and basketball schedules.

The Wildcats remain a tough sell thanks to coach Lute Olsen's disdain for Lobos fans following a series of Pit games during the Dave Bliss era when Olsen was convinced referees swallowed their whistles in Albuquerque.

Besides, we left the WAC years ago.

Ex-Cat Bell gets starting position

Just like we thought. Mike Bell scales the depth chart of the Denver Broncos and will start at tailback (for now). Not bad for a walk-on. Catch him against the Cardinals Aug. 31.

Say What?

Here are some Quotes from UA football Media Day, just to wet your whistle.

Is it game time yet?

Basketcats to take on the Clan

The UA gets some nice press from our northern neighbor (Canada, not Tempe) as the Northwest tour takes shape. And tickets are only ten bucks for this game!

Holmes, sweet Holmes

Louis Holmes has cleared all his academic hurdles and reported to the Wildcats training camp yesterday. To hear him talk, it wasn't news to him.

"I knew it was coming. I had been working pretty hard."

Six foot six, two-seventy. Sounds like one whole side of the line to me.

Quick...get your tickets now. 28 days 'til kick-off.

The Return of the King!

Of course I'm talking about the Wildcat football program and it's emotional and passionate leader Coach Stoops. No longer can we be called a "basketball school with a football problem," and don't you just love it that Tempe Normal is marking time with their Idaho coach? Sparky does truly suck.

Mike Bell a hit with the Broncos

He might have gone undrafted, but he's not going unnoticed at the Denver Broncos training camp. Mike Bell is being given a chance to show why he's the Wildcat's fourth all-time leading rusher and he's making the most of it. Nice little video, too.

Fight, Wildcats, Fight!

The pulse quickens

Yes, it's finally time. Time to get pumped for Opening Night, Sept. 2, vs. BYU. Stoops and the troops have arrived and are getting fitted for their pads and helmets. I was thinking back to the Meet the Team scrimmage last year, remembering how big those guys were then, and I hope they ordered up enough Wildcat-size unis for this team!

In case you're wondering, here's the practice schedule. Please - no cameras.

Is there are Rudy in the house? Or maybe another Chuck Cecil?

What about Holmes and Long? Let's concentrate on the guys that did show up.

Scum Devils worry about the Cats. Keep Dirk!

It's just beginning, fans...

Don't Call Me Iggy

Andre Iguodala was back in town for the Elite skills camp, reminding us toCall Me a Superstar. We only wish we could have seen him for 2 more years alongside Hot Sauce.

Laval rocks

More on the Wildcats' latest recruit- Powers' Lucas-Perry accepts offer to play basketball with Arizona

Pointing the Way

Point Guard U just picked up another one - guard Laval Lucas-Perry of Flint, Mich. gave a verbal commitment today to UA. And a GPA of 3.2 to boot!
Jerryd who?

All Willie, All the Time

Wildcat football is on the map again, and the nation's press is taking notice. I pity the fool who hasn't gotten his tickets yet.

Even In July The Cats have a Must Win Game

The season-opener against BYU looms on the horizon less than two months away and many are calling it a make-or-break game. I'm not so sure about that, but I will be there, rooting the team on and checking out the trombone section with the binocs.

Recruits making the grade

According to this Pac-10 Recruiting Report, Stoops is doing a bang-up job on the recruiting trail. And it looks like the 5Star JC recruits are cutting it in class, too. If you didn't happen to catch the "In My Own Words" special on FSN last night, you missed some terrific insight into the mind and mindset of coach Stoops. Helluva show.

Tough as Nails

That's what they're calling AZ Wildcat Ivan Radenovic as he suits up for the Serbia-Montenegro team in the FIBA World Championships.

"That's my character. I put my head where many wouldn't put their leg. That is how I want to play for our national team. I'll give my heart for 'Blues', I'll do my best."

You got that right.

Mr. Renege

Greg Hansen's got it right on this one - Some recruits have honor, some don't. What a waste of energy and resources to recruit what will probably be a "single-season" college player.
Shame on you, Jerryd Bayless. You've missed out on Lute's first lesson of life - honor yourself and be true to your word.

Congratulations, Champions

The UA Women's Softball team finally overcame themselves and their psyches and took the trophy last night in OK City. With Alicia Hollowell taking home MVP honors and fast-as-lightning speed on the bases, the Cats completed an amazing turnaround at the end of the season and silenced all critics.

Way to go, Cats!

Northwestern Widlcats that is

Wildcats muddle up their big chance

Cats and Vols for the Finals

The Wildcat softball team is locked in a battle with Tennessee for a berth in the WS Finals against surprising Northwestern. UA lost the first game earlier today, but is currently leading 5-zip in the loser-goes-home game on right now. Just 8 outs to go.....

Candrea changes his approach -- and manages to spark the Wildcats on this amazing run.
Corky takes on the NCAA -- and the way it turns a deaf ear and blind eye at the problems facing college baseball these days. Who can blame the kids for going for the $$$?
Kovalcheck heads to Vanderbilt -- Ex-Arizona quarterback Richard Kovalcheck is transferring to Vanderbilt and will be eligible to play immediately. Whether he will or not is a different story.
Go Cats! Final - 6-zip.

Football Schedule Revisions

Here's a head's up for all you Cat Backers -

UA-ASU football date now Saturday
Staff and wire reports
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.03.2006

Arizona's home football game against Arizona State this fall will be played on a Saturday for the first time since 1999.
The UA announced Friday that the Nov. 25 game would be nationally televised by Fox Sports Net with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. In the last six years, the rivalry game has been played Friday afternoon, the day after Thanksgiving.
The UA also announced Friday that the season opener against Brigham Young on Sept. 2 in Tucson would be nationally televised by TBS with a 7:15 p.m. start.
The new 12-game schedule and the Pac-10 full round-robin, in which all league teams play all others every year, was part of the move for the ASU game, the UA said.

More AZ on YouTube....and More

Earlier I showed you the 1988 "Wild About the Cats" video. I guess it doesn't stop there. Check out these other videos on YouTube, Cat-style:

Wildcat Dunks
1988 "Time of My Life" video
2004 Football Highlights
1997 NCAA Hoops Highlights

Beautiful, Man....

A New Windmiller

Wilbur and family would like to welcome into this world baby Ace Shane Daigle, born to Jennie Finch and Casey Diagle. Jennie didn't look half-bad pregnant, either. (OWW - sorry, Wilma)

Wild about the Cats

Hee's a blast from the past - Arizona Wildcats college basketball rap! I just wish I could find a way to save this video. Check out a younger Wilbur at the start of the video....I was a little thinner then.

Kindall's spot just a matter of time

Kindall's spot just a matter of time, but he didn't make the cut for the first class inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Marcus Makes Us Happy

Arizona’s Marcus Williams returning for sophomore season, and you could hear the collective sigh of relief from AZ fans all the way to Academy Village. Free picture of FRANK Williams in this article. More here.

Tough to say goodbye to football's best play North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com

Maybe the refs needed to shake their heads because their eyes were stuck

Injuries, NBA draft alter trip plans

The combo of injuries and the upcoming NBA draft have doomed the UA's planned trip to Europe this spring. Eight players remain available for the trip, not enough for a competitive trip. A possible September foray into Vancouver BC could help to make it up to the kids.

Injuries, NBA draft alter trip plans

The combo of injuries and the upcoming NBA draft have doomed the UA's planned trip to Europe this spring. Eight players remain available for the trip, not enough for a competitive trip. A possible September foray into Vancouver BC could help to make it up to the kids.

Wilbur, wherefore art thou, Wilbur?

Just taking some time off to tend to matters around the Cat Den here. Wilma and KaceyKat have been putting in a lawn in the back yard, so the whole family is invited over to roll in the grass with us. That's gotta feel good. Much to catch up on in the Wildcat Nation, so here goes:

PAC10 Hoops race 2006-07 in a spin -- With so many players entering the NBA draft (with or without an agent), no clear cut favorite emerges. If Shakur and Williams leave Lute's lair, the Cats could drop back to the middle of the PAC again next season. Come on, freshmen....

Batcats take series -- not a sweep yet, but they did finish off Stanford today. Post-season hopes are still fading, though, as the Cats are below .500 for the season (17-20) and in league play (5-7). Nice new park, though.

Spring football over, now wait until fall -- From all indications we're in for a much better season in '06 than we've witnessed in quite awhile. Over 8000 showing up for yesterday's scrimmage? Amazing. Some other facts here. Stoops doesn't see the players enjoying their summer on the beach, either.

Former Wildcat wideout gains hero status -- "Angels of Death has a real-life hero, Jay Dobyns, a towering, former star receiver for the University of Arizona Wildcats, who joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in search of excitement." New book out about the Hell's Angels crime network stars one of our own.


Louis Holmes watch -- he's still talking like he'll suit up in the fall.

Fiesta Bowl Classic gets a makeover -- Memphis will be the only team to make it to McKale for the basketball classic. We've had enough of the lower seeded teams, anyway. There was no suspense who would play in the final, was there?

Greg Hansen has a good column again today -- Of interest is the news that Lou Campanelli is stepping down as supervisor of PAC10 hoops refs. (clap)(clap)

B-Dub.........always a character

Matt Othick played in 106 winning basketball games at Arizona from 1989 to 1992, a point guard and three-point shooter of note from Las Vegas who was part of three Pac-10 championship teams.
He has since become a successful investor in Las Vegas and Del Mar, Calif., and is now part of a Hollywood group that is developing a movie based on the life of the late Brian Williams, a UA and NBA power forward who played high school and college basketball with Othick.
Insomnia Entertainment, a firm headed by UA grad Trent Othick, Matt's brother, is working with ex-UA basketball manager Kevin Porter on the script. Porter was Williams' former manager and confidant. Matt Othick describes the project as something similar to "The Talented Mr. Ripley" or "Dead Calm."
More immediate, Trent Othick's first major film, "Standing Still," will be released nationally this week, beginning in Tucson theaters Friday. It is a "Big Chill" type film with a 21st century theme, and includes actress Mena Suvari.
"Standing Still" premiered last week in Hollywood. The Othick brothers attended, as did Othick's UA teammate Sean Rooks.
"I still see a lot of Steve Kerr, Jud Buechler and Kevin Flanagan every summer," said Othick, who remains close friends with his UA backcourt partner, Tucson attorney Matt Muehlebach.
"I had a wonderful time in Tucson," said Othick, whose mother lives here. "My only regret was our play during the NCAA tournament. We really should have won at least one national title while I was there." Opinion from Greg Hanson

Othick is developing film of Williams' life | www.azstarnet.com ®

Opinion by Greg Hansen < Here's a movie I might have to go see. B-Dub was certainly a character and should be remembered as a member of Lute's legions.

Life After Basketball

Now that the Final Four is fading, and all monies have been paid out to the bracket winnders, our thoughts turn to other news in and around the UA. Spring football is underway, baseball and softball are in full swing, and Wilbur has some tidbits he's found along the way.

Football penalty reduced -- Good news bad news for Stoops troops. Scholarships will be reduced by 3, not 4, but the penalty is extended. I bet we barely notice.
Something we will notice -- a rise in ticket prices after exemptions end. Those of us in the south endzone seem safe, though. Unless they start charging us for the footballs we toss out of Arizona Stadium onto 6th Street.
Second scrimmage -- the second spring scrimmage is today. Too bad Wilbur's on call or he'd be there!
Budingermania hits town -- long before Chase himself arrives. Let the kid at least find a place to stay....
Mike Bibby -- takes a look at what might have been. I just wish we could have kept him for more than 2 years.
Baseball -- loses.
Softball -- wins. Hollowell is back.
Stepping out of the Twilight Zone -- that's how Roz views the attitude towards next season.
J.P. Prince headed to Europe -- with the rest of the team for their tour. He's not planning a transfer.
Preseason #12?? -- that's where some folks put Lute's team next year. That would be something.

Bear Down.

After the Final Flop

Better late than never, but the Final Four was anything but a hit. After 2 weeks of OT's, buzzer-beaters, and upsets, this past weekend was a sorry shadow of the first rounds. Not only that, but the bRuins cost me $110 in the family bracket challenge. And to think I was actually rooting for them.

Tempe gets a "dream hire" for hoops coach -- if you listen to this guy. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Tucson's take on Sendek? -- Dullsville.
The Central California Connection -- with UA football.
Free Willie -- Willie T goes to QB school during the off-season. First test is Sept. 2 vs. BYU.
Lute explains remarks -- when he dissed UDub for their easy non-conference (and HOME) schedule, he just was assuring everyone that by talking about future schedules he's not going anywhere soon.
Batcats drub Devils -- chase those little boogers all over Chase Field.
High wire act? -- that's how to describe the hoops team if Darrell Arthur joins Chase Budinger in next year's class.

I would have used my Mr. Chip Up

Bobcat attacks golfer, is beaten to death with 7-irons

Poor golf etiquette

Remind me not to play 18 when this guy is on the same course. Warning: slow play ahead.

Final Four weekend

Arizona's not in Indy, but either are any of the #1 seeds in this year's tourney. How about that? There's still plenty of things to catch up on, though.

• Mike Bibby recalls the glory days along with other NBA stars.
• Wildcat grid squad might have found a punter.  Kyle McQuown comes via Salpointe HS and Idaho State.
• Chase Budinger, one of Lute's recruits, makes the Parade All-American team.
• Willie Tuitama makes the list of Rising Stars in Sporting News.
• Tempe Normal not looking at a big-time coach to take over the _Oops program.  Rick Majerus couldn't find a hotel room he liked.  Yeah, you can feel the Huskies and Wildcats shakin' in their high-tops, can't ya?

Big Dance to get bigger?

College coaches are working on a plan to make the field of 65 into a field of 70 or more. That'll make sitting on the proverbial Bubble a little easier, eh? A better solution would be for those marginal teams to try a little harder instead of watering down the field.

Fake Chicago University scored Final Four Tickets

One way to get tickets to the Final Four is to start a fake university and ask the NCAA for your allotment of tickets to the Big Dance.  Now accepting applications to Wilbur U.

East Coast Bias lives on

Thanks to the refs in the UW/UConn game last night, we see that the West Coast still gets little respect. Congratulations to Romar and his team for handling the loss with class.

And you thought your coach was tough....

This from Texas:

A Conroe school district coach is on leave while officials investigate
claims that he forced a student athlete to defecate into a bag and
urinate into a cup, KPRC Local 2 reported.

That was one long bus ride for everyone.

Who's your daddy....the Pac 10

from the News Observer

Lute not taking it easy on next year's schedule

Even though Washington scheduled 10 of its first 11 games at home (losing number 11 to AZ, btw) and got a higher seed than the Wildcats, Lute is still sticking to his time-proven plan of scheduling tough pre-season opponents. Heck, he doesn't even care if they're on the road. He is second-guessing the committee on their seedings, though, and wondering if maybe he shouldn't schedule Our Sisters of the Prickly Pear and Budweiser State to inflate the record come tourney time. Nahhhhh....

But Olson's core philosophy in scheduling remains, so the Wildcats will host North Carolina, Memphis, Houston, UNLV and possibly Iona at McKale, while facing Illinois in Phoenix next season, according to UA administrative aide Jack Murphy. On the road, Murphy said, Arizona will face Virginia, San Diego State and possibly Villanova.

One thing's for sure. Ticket sales shouldn't drop off. And don't forget that team bonding trip to Europe planned for late May.

• O is for Over, which is the condition of Florida's streak of failures.
  The Gators, entering this tournament, had lost on the opening weekend
  to lower-seeded teams for five straight years. That is a record of
  futility they now share with Illinois (1986-90) and Arizona (1989-93). Welcome to the club, Donovan.
• Shakur, Williams might evaluate draft status. Think Jason Gardner....Jason Terry.....Chris Rodgers...(well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad)
• Just watched that cat that fell 80 feet and got right up again. Gives hope for next season.
  

Cats Save Their Finest for Philly

In the end, it came down to 3-pointers. Arizona matched Nova basket for basket (28), freethrow for freethrow (17), but Villanova made 4 more 3-point shots. Just enough to give the Nova Cats a win over the Zona Cats. We did get a glimpse of the potential of what should have been this year, and got hope for next season. And we did beat the spread, which was 6-1/2 points going in. I hope Lute's got a shooter in next year's class.

• Perennial powers Kentucky and Arizona exit this year's tourney.
• But so do North Carolina, Ohio State (goodbye "Big" 10), and Pittsburgh.
• On Fire: Arizona. The Wildcats lost, but you won't find many fans upset with coach Lute Olson or his talented team.
• A look at parity in college ball.  I'm a believer now.
• We kicked their butts in the stats.  Except those 3-pointers.

Well done, Cats. 

More stories

1. Brett Brielmaier living the dream.
2. Hot Sauce fires up after a week off.
3. Arizona avoids meltdown.
4. Homeboy Shakur.
5. Must-see TV. Highest rated tourney since 1997.
6. Go PAC10! UCLA and Washington advance to Sweet 16.
   

Cancel the autopsy. Arizona isn't dead yet.

Cats find right mix

UA puts together complete game vs. Wisconsin

I just keep finding great articles about The Cats' rise from the ashes, Pheonix(sic) style

When Wildcats show up, they can beat anyone

Some folks have noticed that the Cats have turned the corner......or a corner, anyway.

Come out, come out wherever you are. Arizona fans can finally be proud
of this year's edition of the Wildcats and once again show their faces
in public.

Git R Done!

Cats get ready for Nova Cats

The Cats (the Arizona Wildcats, that is) look forward to tomorrow's matchup against the #1 seed Villanova. Maybe this team just hates being a favorite and loves being the underdog. We'll see.

• Did you make your picks based on mascots?  Here's the inside scoop....
• Stoops (remember football?) loses 4 scholarships for next season.  Now that's a difficult choice.
• Wildcat Women win in NCAA Women's tourney....whaaat??
• Shakur proves you can go home again.
• These Cats are dogs.  I think he means that it a nice way.
• Tourney notebook.
  

Philadelphia Kid

Mustafa Shakur went from playground rat to Point Guard U. Read the story here.

No March Sadness for Cats

Who the heck were those guys with the UA jerseys on today? This was the type of game we've been starved for all year. Smiling, laughing, and running away from the Badgers, the Wildcats finally started enjoying the game and playing like there IS a tomorrow. Even Billy Packer had good things to say about Zona as they hit the ground running and never looked back, leaving the Cheeseheads in their dust.  Ahhh - Philadelphia freedom at last.

• "Our fans came here with expectations," `Nova forward Will Sheridan said. "Their fans came here with hope. It's a lot more fun when you're just hoping your team does well."  Yep, and underdog fans throughout the brackets are feeling the love this tourney.  Great match-ups, NCAA, no matter what Nance and Packer have to say.
• "(Shakur) reached back for those first moments on the playground at 10th and Olney and pulled out the spin move that so many of his friends remember him by."  Classic move, classy guy that Staph.  I'll bet he knows a good cheesesteak when he sees one, too.
• "The thing we didn't want to happen happened," UW coach Bo Ryan said. "You can't play from behind. It's very difficult. . . . That was our worst nightmare."  As a Cat fan, it was a dream!
• "Don't tell Nova it was an ugly win."  Okay....we'll let them in our little secret on Sunday.  But how many of us picked the  AZCats to advance to the Sweet 16, or even into the Round of 32?
• "At long last, talented Arizona plays up to its potential."  And gives Lute yet another 20-win season.
• Check it out.....Wilbur made it to the big time world of blogshares and trading.  Stock is rising, IPO to be announced soon.
• Standings after first round games in the Family Bracket Pool:
• Wilbur and Swister Meeney tied for first
• Three ringers from Wilbur's workplace take next 3 spots
• Sparky running a strong 6th.
• 'Nova fails to cover spread (20 points?  Get real) and loses fans against Monmouth.  Monmouth?

What  A  Tourney!!!

Day 1 and Done

And what a day it was. 4 underdogs pulled off the first-round upsets, with 12-seed Montana and Texas A&M leading the way. Some fantastic comebacks by the big boys (Tennessee, Gonzaga, BC) had Wilma pacing around the pad here all day. She'll need her sleep to make it through today.
OOh! Wilbur and Mike's bracket picks lead the way after the first day of play. And, no, I didn't revise any picks as the games went on. Just dumb luck carried me through the day.

• Follow Bob Barker's Bracket here, along with some other celebs here.
  
• News from the Cheeseheads.  Some Philly first-round tidbits, including Lute not getting his car.
• Shedding labels and Hassan Adams.

Good luck, everyone.

I'd trade two Kirk's and an Isiah for one Butch

From the Madison The Capital Times

More unusual tourney stats here

Breaking down March Madness into numbers I can understand, including how many times Bill Raftery will say "...and the kiss."

Top ten first round upsets in the past ten years. AZ nowhere to be found in this list.

Are you part of the problem?

The problem is the $3.8 billion lost in American worker productivity during March Madness.. Hey. It doesn't feel non-productive, man.....plus I got a few bucks riding on it.

Ready or not....

...here we go!  Picks are made, pools are filled, now we can just sit back and watch non-stop college b'ball for awhile.  Wilma is in heaven.

• Cats expecting fewer calls to be made in the "let 'em play" tourney.
  

• Best and worst case scenarios for tourney teams.  Check out Villanova's: "Scud-shooting Villanova is booted before it ever gets to leave Philadelphia by season-long underachiever Arizona. Home crowd does what it does best, booing 'Nova off the floor."

• Badgers?  We don't need to steenking Badgers!  UA and the cheeseheads stumble into the tourney, almost mirror images of each other.  Tony Bennett chimes in here.
  
• Ouch!  This guy really knows how to hurt someone. (1/2 way down page - Minn. bracket)

• Now this guy thinks we can make some noise.  If we show up, that is.  "Another traditional power that has struggled this year, Lute Olson's bunch is seeded eighth in Minneapolis.  While there's been little to indicate Arizona can put together a sustained run, the return to action of wing Hassan Adams -- who was suspended for the Pac-10 tournament -- gives the Wildcats a chance to push Villanova in the second round; that is, if Arizona manages to get by the more local Wisconsin Badgers in Round One."

• Cats accused of living in the past.  Make that 1997, please.

Let's get busy.

Sampson's past will keep him away from Tempe

Violations likely to keep Sampson away from ASU, like they thought they had a chance. Silly Sun Devils.

Can't make up your mind who to pick?

Here's a random bracket generator. This way you can blame it on someone else when your team goes down in flames!

Another bracket contest

The Official NBA Dance Team Bracket. Vote early and often.
Isn't this a fun year?

Cal-Berkley hoopster pranked by UCLA students.

Gabe Pruitt thought he had a hot date lined up last weekend at the PAC10 tourney. See, he'd been chatting online with a UCLA co-ed, Victoria. Turns out, though, that "she" was really a large section of the UCLA student body who had intercepted his messages and set him up.
Priceless.

Check out these bRACKets

If looking at the field of 64 is blurring your vision, rest your eyes by filling out these bRACKets. Additional research encouraged.

On to the Tourney

Well, the Cats managed to keep their nation's longest string of 22 straight tourney appearances intact.  Hassan Adams just might be enough to take them to the second round, probably against Nova.  And Lute's schedule mastery likely paid off, at least for this year.  Who really likes quality losses, anyway?

• Sour grapes from the Northwest.  Get over it, Ducks and Beavs.  Enjoy the NIT.
• Comparing apples to apples, Wildcats to Badgers.
• Philly is hometown to Mustafa Shakur and Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.  Cheesesteak, anyone?
• Did anybody else catch Billy Packer's slip-of-the-tongue Sunday when he mentioned the AZ/Wisconsin game one bracket too early?
• Tips for winning the pool.  If you need them, that is.
• Cats earn #8 seed the hard way.  They backed into it.
  

NCAA Bracketology

Here's your first cheat sheet for the NCAA tourney. Read it. Learn it. Live it. Send in your money.

Now we'll have to worry about other issues than the spread or whether we can sneak in our peanuts and red vines

FBI warns of possible NCAA tourney threat

Cats cowtow to bRuins

A lack of physicalability (bangability, bruiseability, toughability) caused the Cats to come up short against Ucla last night. It just took too long to adjust to the style of play - "letting them play," as the refs say - and the absence of Hot Sauce spelled doom from the start. Still, we did manage to cut the deficit to 12 by game's end. Little consolation, and look for the Cats to be wearing the road reds in all tourney games. Did I say all?? How far do YOU have them going in your brackets?

• Batcats visit Mississippi State, play grateful guests.
• "And there's also the excitement of disrobing old ghosts like Arizona." Let them gloat while they can.
• Bobby Knight finishes under .500 for the first time in 35 years. Sounds like a perfect fit for Tempe.
• Lute keeps his cool during game, heard muttering "Good Grief!" "My Word!" Still no match for Ryan Radke's "For crying in the middle of the night!"
  
• Fisher-Matlock Final Four Tourney invitations going out soon. Watch out for Sweeney - he's been laid up after his RCT surgery and thinks he has a lock on all the teams.
  

It's Been Real, It's Been Fun...

...and it's been Real Fun. But the days of UA beating up on Rob Evans and his stellar Scum Devil teams have come to an end. Face it - Lute got him fired because his advertising revenues dropped off after Bill Fritter left. Who's next?? Who cares.
Oh, please pick Steve Lavin. Pleeease....

Stanford chopped down, bRuins next on the block

The AZ Wildcat basketball team found a way to beat Stanford yesterday, despite having to leave Hassan Adams at home. Other players picked up his slack (but not his bar tab), and put the game away by shooting 80% from the freethrow line. 23 of 28 in the second half alone?? We could have beat Washington with percentages like that. Tonight, settle in to watch the Cats go for their first win of the year over Ucla, and keep their nation-leading streak of 20-win seasons alive, too. This would make 19 seasons with 20 wins or more. How spoiled are we?
Git R Done, Cats!

• Hot Sauce maxes out his cellphone calling plan in order to amp the Cats up. Can they hear him today?
• Walk-on steps it up, logging 25 crucial minutes in yesterday's game. Thanks, Bret...er, Brent...er, Brett, .....er,...Rudy.
• Ducks beat Dawgs, so Cats will miss possible grudge match against UDub. Pity.
• Stanford bows out gracefully, heads back to the Bay.
  

It's PAC10 Tourney time, it's PAC10 Tourney time (Name that tune)

The Cats limp into the league tourney minus their leading scorer (Hassan Adams - DUI) and missing that swagger we all know and love. It's gotten so bad that Stanford is getting most of the press for our game against the Cardinal on Thursday. Game time is 1:30pm, so plan on taking a late lunch.

• Cats aren't the only bluebloods that have no-showed this year. It really is the Year of the Dog.
• First tip for the Matlock Final Four Pool, brought to you by Wilbur - a little history about seed-by-seed matchups in the past. And speaking of March Madness, watch your e-mail for your invite for the Pool. If you want to be included, and don't happen to be related to a Matlock, leave a comment and we'll be glad to take your money, too.
• Cats RPI drops to 24th, 41st in Sagarin. Still feeling good about getting in? Tempe comes in at 145 in the Sagarin poll, six spots behind those mighty Lumberjacks of NAU. Bye, Rob. Oh - add Rick Majerus to the list of Sundevil coach wannabes. Better stock the First Aid station on the floor level.
• Hey. The softball team continues to win and is ranked #1. Wonder if they can shoot 3-pointers as well as no-hitters?
  
• Don't forget Wildcat golf. And isn't it time for another Matlock Match Play event?

Bear down - and bear with us.